Smallholder farming plays a crucial role in rural livelihoods in Northern Namibia, with indigenous chickens being a vital source of food security and income. However, productivity in these systems is often constrained by suboptimal management practices, which can negatively impact both animal welfare and economic returns. This study aims to evaluate the management practices used in smallholder farms and assess their influence on the productivity and welfare of indigenous chickens.

A key animal welfare concern in these systems is the lack of standardized husbandry practices, including inadequate housing, improper nutrition, disease management challenges, and limited access to veterinary care. Poor housing conditions, such as overcrowding and lack of protection from extreme weather, can lead to increased stress, disease susceptibility, and mortality. Additionally, nutritional deficiencies due to inconsistent feeding practices may result in poor growth rates, reduced egg production, and weakened immune function. Furthermore, the absence of proper disease prevention and control measures contributes to high morbidity and mortality, leading to significant losses for farmers. By conducting on-farm observations and engaging with farmers through structured questionnaires, this study will identify the key management factors affecting the welfare and productivity of indigenous chickens. Data collection will focus on housing conditions, feeding practices, disease prevalence, and farmers’ knowledge of animal welfare standards. The findings will provide insight into the most critical challenges faced by smallholder farmers and highlight areas where targeted interventions can improve both productivity and animal welfare.

The expected outcomes of this study include recommendations for cost-effective and practical management improvements tailored to resource-limited settings. By promoting better housing designs, improved feeding strategies, and basic disease prevention measures, this research aims to enhance the well-being of indigenous chickens while simultaneously improving farm productivity. Additionally, the study’s findings can serve as a foundation for awareness campaigns and training programs, equipping smallholder farmers with the knowledge needed to implement sustainable, welfare-friendly practices.